Documentary gives Elders voice for years to come

The stories of three South Australian Elders will feature in a documentary to keep their voices alive for generations to come as more First Nations people age into their 50s than ever before.

‘There I Was, Here I Am’ was launched at a gathering of more than 300 Elders, and their carers, from across South Australia at a special event in Adelaide today.

Developed by Aboriginal Community Services (ACS) and funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the aim of the heartwarming documentary is to evolve into a digital-record keeping project to preserve the stories of South Australian Elders through oral storytelling.

Featured in the 25-minute documentary are Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Basil (Mulla) Sumner, Kaurna-Narungga Elder Aunty Frances Chantrill and Ngarrindjeri-Narungga Elder Uncle Craig Dodd (more details below). The Elders have dedicated their lives to supporting community and advocating for First Nations People.

ACS CEO Graham Aitken said the documentary, which took inspiration from this month’s NAIDOC Week theme — Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, celebrated the impactful lives of First Nations Elders in South Australia.

“As an aged care provider to more than 800 First Nations Elders in South Australia, we have unique access to stories of achievements, and truth-telling about our history,” said Mr Aitken.

“We hope this important documentary is the first of a series recounting the lives of Elders to highlight the importance of 'keeping the fire burning' for generations to come and to celebrate our Elders who continue being ‘Blak, loud and proud’ as they age,” he said.

The First Nations population is ageing, with more than 174,000 Elders currently aged 50 or more - among them are the youngest survivors of the Stolen Generation. By 2031, one in five First Nations Australians will be aged 50 or more and eligible to access aged care support.

ACS is the only state-wide aged care service provider to Aboriginal people in South Australia and cares for Elders across metropolitan, regional and remote parts of the state.

‘There I Was, Here I Am’ was screened for the first time at the annual lunch for Elders and their carers hosted by ACS to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

“Our annual event brings Elders from far and wide together, so they can gather as one community and share stories,” said Mr Aitken.

“It’s one way we connect Elders to culture and community to keep the fire burning and the perfect event at which to launch this documentary,” he said.